Bentley Motors has unveiled its EXP 15 concept vehicle, a five-meter design study that demonstrates several advanced technologies intended for future EVs. The concept, displayed at the company’s new design studio, incorporates both traditional manufacturing techniques and emerging digital technologies.
The exterior features a radar-transparent paint system called Pallas Gold, which uses ultra-thin aluminum pigment that allows safety radar devices to transmit through the coating without signal degradation. The finish maintains high reflectivity for lidar detection systems, addressing compatibility requirements for autonomous driving technologies.
Active aerodynamic elements include twin spoilers that deploy from the rear roofline and an active diffuser at the vehicle’s lower rear section. The lighting system employs ultra-slim LED strips positioned within the wheel arches, while the front grille incorporates a central light spine featuring an LED interpretation of Bentley’s diamond quilt pattern.
The interior design process utilized virtual reality software to enable multiple configuration options. “We think people are going to get fed up with a fully digital experience and are pining for physical mechanical elements too,” said Robin Page, Bentley Director of Design. “By combining the two, you can get the best of both worlds.”
The cabin features a three-seat, three-door configuration with a rotating passenger seat that can pivot 45 degrees outward. A Concertina Floor Storage system allows footwell footrests to fold into the floor, creating space for pets or luggage accessible without opening the boot.
The dashboard incorporates what designers call ‘Magical Fusion’ technology, where a full-width digital interface can switch off to reveal wood veneer underneath glass. A central mechanical device with multiple movable fingers indicates vehicle direction, battery charge status, and other parameters.
Material innovations include 3D-printed titanium components that reduce both weight and production waste. The interior combines traditional textiles from 250-year-old British weaver Fox Brothers with new materials like ‘Acrylic Couture,’ a fine woven metal mesh encapsulated in acrylic that creates illuminated 3D effects.
“The beauty of a concept car is not just to position our new design language, but to test where the market’s going,” Page explained, noting particular focus on the evolving sedan segment.
The EXP 15 is designed around a fully-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain, though specific technical specifications have not been disclosed. The concept is not intended for production but provides design direction for Bentley’s first fully electric vehicle expected in 2026.
